to be earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be earned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that requires effort or merit to obtain, such as respect, trust, or rewards. Example: "Respect is not given freely; it is something that must be earned over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Commissions have to be earned.

The Guardian

That has to be earned".

The New York Times

It needs to be earned.

The Guardian

Respect has to be earned.

The Guardian - Sport

That it will have to be earned.

The New York Times

Our place has to be earned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, forgiveness has to be earned.

The Guardian

Those things have to be earned".

The Guardian - Sport

The animosity has yet to be earned.

The Guardian - Sport

A Ryder Cup spot ought to be earned, not awarded.

The New York Times - Sports

Sweet towels have to be earned through performance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be earned", ensure the context clearly defines what effort or quality is required to achieve the desired outcome. For example, "Trust has to be earned through consistent honesty and reliability."

Common error

Avoid implying that something automatically results from effort. "To be earned" signifies potential, not guaranteed success. For example, stating "Respect is to be earned, therefore it will be given" incorrectly assumes that effort always results in the desired respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be earned" functions as a passive infinitive, often used to indicate that something is not freely given but must be obtained through effort, merit, or specific actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be earned" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize that something requires effort, merit, or specific actions to obtain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, conveying the importance of active participation and worthiness. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the effort or qualities needed. Alternatives like "to be deserved", "to be gained", and "to be attained" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be deserved

Emphasizes the moral rightness of receiving something due to one's actions.

to be gained

Focuses on the act of obtaining or acquiring something, often through effort or struggle.

to be attained

Highlights the achievement of reaching a goal or objective after a period of striving.

to be won

Implies a competition or contest where something is acquired through victory.

to be acquired

Indicates the process of obtaining something, often through a deliberate effort.

to be merited

Suggests that something is worthy of being received due to one's qualities or actions.

to be justified

Highlights the validity or righteousness of receiving something.

to be secured

Focuses on making something certain or safe, often implying effort to protect it.

to be realized

Emphasizes the bringing of something into existence or awareness through effort.

to be cultivated

Suggests a gradual and intentional development of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "to be earned" in a sentence?

You can use "to be earned" to emphasize that something is not given freely but requires effort or merit. For example, "Success has to be earned through hard work and dedication."

What's a good alternative to "to be earned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be deserved", "to be gained", or "to be attained".

Is it correct to say 'Respect is to be earned'?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "Respect is to be earned" implies that respect is not automatically given but must be gained through one's actions and behavior.

What is the difference between "to be earned" and "to be deserved"?

"To be earned" emphasizes the effort required to obtain something, while "to be deserved" implies a moral rightness or worthiness to receive something based on one's actions.